SIBU: Sarawak Customs seized more than 1.5 million sticks of contraband cigarettes and nearly 1,600 litres of liquor during a raid on an empty house in Jalan Teku Lama.
State Customs director Norizan Yahya said the total value of the two items is estimated at RM243,551.52, while the import duty and taxes involved are estimated at RM1,112,773.27.
"Although no arrests have been made so far, we have identified the owner of the premises and investigations are ongoing," he told at a press conference on Wednesday (March 4).
The operation was carried out at about 9.20am on February 10 by a team of Customs officers acting on intelligence received.
“During the inspection, the raid team discovered 1.56 million sticks of cigarettes and 1,591.92 litres of liquor believed to be prohibited goods. All items were seized for further investigation,” he said.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate’s modus operandi involved storing the two items in an unoccupied house to avoid detection.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for storing or possessing goods that have not been cleared by Customs or are prohibited from import.
Upon conviction, offenders may face a fine of not less than 10 times the amount of customs duty or RM100,000, whichever is greater, and not more than 20 times the value of the goods or RM500,000, whichever is greater.
They may also face imprisonment of not less than six months and not more than five years, or both.
Norizan urged members of the public to assist authorities in combating smuggling activities, assuring them that the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.
Those with information on smuggling activities may contact the Customs Toll-Free Line at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office nationwide.
